Almost all teenagers get acne at some time in their lives. Acne can be whiteheads (pimples), blackheads, or red bumps on your face, neck, shoulders, and back. Acne is due to overactive oil glands which get plugged and then burst causing redness and swelling. The main cause of acne is increased levels of hormone (chemicals in your blood) during puberty. It is not caused by foods or dirt. The black plug in a blackhead is caused by a pigment, not dirt.

Acne can be made worse by popping pimples which forces oil into the surrounding tissue. Harsh scrubbing irritates the skin. Things that rub on the skin, like headbands, hats, hair, helmets can cause irritation. Some cosmetics can block the oil ducts and worsen acne. Some medications, or emotional stress can aggravate acne. In girls, hormone changes during the menstrual cycle can make acne worse.

Good skin care will help keep acne under control. Wash your skin twice daily with a mild soap. Shampoo your hair daily. Do not pick or pop your pimples.

Benzoyl peroxide helps kill skin bacteria, unplug oil ducts and heal pimples. It is a very effective treatment and can be gotten without a prescription. If used excessively, it can irritate your skin so use it sparingly and as directed.

Other medicines are available by prescription. Retin-A (tretinoin) cream or gel helps unplug oil glands. Topical antibiotic solutions help treat infection. Oral antibiotics can be added if topical treatments are not effective. Accutane (isotretinoin) is a very strong medication that helps treat acne that has resisted other treatments. It has some potentially serious side effects and should only be used under the close supervision of a dermatologist.